R&D Hardware Technician

Who You Are

You are an experienced fabricator and equipment builder. You’re a self-directed, hands-on engineering technician with a passion for solving time-critical problems. You’re energized by digging deep into sophisticated technical issues, finding root causes, and making fixes that last. Your teammates trust your work because they know you don’t miss details and you always lead with objectivity and practicality. You’re excited to learn about new technical fields and new ways of working alongside engineers, scientists, and production staff. You’re good at communicating complicated observations clearly to a wide range of audiences. You’ve built your intuition and technical judgment working on multidisciplinary systems (e.g., mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic) and you’re excited to apply that intuition to a new set of problems. You’re flexible and can quickly find the right balance between speed and refinement; you know that the right solution always depends on the big picture.

Responsibilities and Duties  

• Mechanical assembly of Sila’s proprietary synthesis reactors and supporting systems
• Read electrical schematics and turn them into elegantly routed electrical distribution and controls panels
• Pipe/tube fitting for process gas plumbing, exhaust, process cooling water
• Source materials needed to complete tasks collaborating with vendors and outside shops as necessary to complete builds
• Instinctively solve problems with quick turn fabrication in Sila’s machine shop
• Collaborate with equipment engineers to commission a variety of synthesis, manufacturing, measurement, and test tools
• Fabrication / modification of custom parts in Sila’s machine shop: cutting, drilling, milling, turning, welding, grinding, etc. 
• Work with vendors and contractors to get projects done. Ensure completion of contractor projects and facilitate handoffs to our team.
• Work safely: keep a clean and safe work environment. Correct unsafe behaviors and report incidents. Understand and respect hazardous materials and processes.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements 

• At least 3 years of hands-on work experience in a field with multidisciplinary systems (i.e., at least two of the following: mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, or software systems integrated together on a single platform).
• Knowledge of AC and DC power fundamentals, sensor/signal troubleshooting, and field wiring best practices. Able to use multimeters and a variety of wiring hand tools.
• Conscientious, curious, and deliberate approach to problem-solving.
• Consistent and reliable project completion, from routine maintenance to new builds to retrofits.
• Phenomenal communication skills (written and verbal), both with Sila employees and external contractors.
• Proven track record to surface problems constructively.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection on a periodic basis
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes
• Move items up to 50 lbs with the assistance of lift equipment and carts
• Move long distances (such as from building to building) and be stationary for extended periods of time
• Reach low shelves or items on the floor
• Enter spaces narrower than 3 feet
• Climb stairs or over containment walls

Regular Shift: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 6:00pm

The starting base pay for this role is between $59/hr and $75/hr at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, and equity.  The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for overtime.

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